CycleOps Trainer Bluetooth Connectivity Issue

[Kevlouw]

Morning,

Is there a way to fix a bluetooth connectivity issue on a smart trainer?

I bought my trainer from a fellow hubber some time ago, and the trainer worked for quite a while with no issues. Now I can't connect at all via bluetooth, not just to a laptop, but to a phone or tablet also.

I've tried looking online for a possible software update to install, with no luck finding such software. The trainer is CycleOps, and they were acquired by Saris and unfortunately the Saris website doesn't have software downloads available from what I've seen.

I am in the middle of Durban 70.3 training, so this is not an ideal time to be stuck without my trainer. With all the expenses of the 70.3 I can't afford to replace the trainer now.

Any advice (or a spare smart trainer not being used) would be appreciated.

[HdB]

Saris does have an Android app for firmware updates and calibration checks, though it has been a long time time I've used it (we have a CycleOps H2 and Saris H3). If you have not already, maybe check if this app can find and connect to the trainer?

[Kevlouw]

The message shown when trying to download the app via Play Store "This app isn't available for your device because it was made for an older version of Android".

[michaelbiker]

You can try using ANT+ with it. Either get a usb dongle or try with an ANT+ head unit. 

[HdB]

3 hours ago, Kevlouw said:

The message shown when trying to download the app via Play Store "This app isn't available for your device because it was made for an older version of Android".

I've sent them an email about this, but who know when/if it will be addressed.

[madmarc]

Make sure there are no other BT devices in the area, this was a major headache for me on my Kickr, if there is another BT device around that is trying to connect then you will not connect with your device as BT can only handle a single connection.

The fix was Ant+ dongle - i connect to laptop via Ant+ and keep BT switched off - works perfect - in fact ive had 2 devices connected via Ant+ by simply adding another Ant+ dongle in the USB port which also works perfect 

Edited February 25 by madmarc

[Kevlouw]

Thanks. Will test this, although a bit difficult to switch of all nearby BT devices while living in a complex

[Wannabe]

I also have connectivity issues with my H2 lately. It connects, but then drop the connection every now and then. My software is up to date, etc.

I have found that taking the Ant+ dongle out and running on BT alone makes the connection a bit more stable. Only problem then is that my HRM does not connect as it needs the Ant+

I've heard that switching off all the BT devices in the vicinity (Garmin watches and PC included) and unplugging the Trainer. Install the Saris App on your phone. Plug the trainer back in without pedaling, check that the green light starts blinking and open the Saris App. Check that it picks up the trainer and then run the Update section of it on the App. Once update is done, open Calibration section of the App and do the Calibration/Rundown. Once that is done you can connect your other devices, such as cadence, HRM to the app. This should solve your problem. There is a YouTube vid of a few years back that explains this step by step. 

Hope this helps.

[Kevlouw]

Can't install the Saris app on my phone as mentioned earlier. The app is suited for an older version of Android. 

Will test first by switching off any BT device in the house and see if that makes a difference. 

Thanks for the suggestion. Any advice is appreciated 

[Wannabe]

You somehow will have to update the software on your Trainer. This might solve the problem. 

As I said, switch off all BT devices that might compete with the trainer for a connection. 

Smart Bike Trainer Firmware Updates | Saris App

 

 

 

[Kevlouw]

Feedback received from Saris last night.

"You’re correct that the PowerBeam Pro was originally operated via software, but since this is a legacy product from the CycleOps era, there are some important limitations to be aware of. The PowerBeam Pro was discontinued in 2013, and unfortunately we no longer sell it, support it with current hardware, or offer any compatible Saris/CycleOps software.
At this time:
 

·        We do not have a proprietary app or current software that will operate the trainer.

·        We no longer manufacture or support ANT+ or USB interfaces specifically for the PowerBeam Pro.

·        We can’t guarantee compatibility with modern third-party platforms (such as TrainerRoad, Zwift, etc.), as the trainer predates current smart trainer communication standards.

 
That said, some users in the past were able to experiment with ANT+ dongles and third-party software, but this would be entirely unsupported and results can vary depending on firmware, OS version, and hardware. We’re not able to provide setup guidance or troubleshooting for that use case. What we can provide is any user manuals or legacy documentation we still have available, which may help you understand the original operation and specifications of the unit. Which I have attached for your viewing.
 
I know this may not be the answer you were hoping for, but I wanted to be transparent about the current support status. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like the manuals or have any other general questions."

[HdB]

Hmm, not ideal. Doesn't really explain why the bluetooth would suddenly stop working if the laptop/software didn't change? Hopefully not a hardware failure.

The very old smart trainers all used proprietary protocols over either bluetooth or ANT+, and the various training softwares just dealt with those - it could be that some of the companies have decided to take out that legacy code.
Which software(s) were you using before it stopped working?

Didn't the Powerbeam Pro come in two separate versions, one with Bluetooth and the other with ANT+? In which case the ANT+ instructions might not help you very much.

 

[Kevlouw]

Yes the Powerbeam Pro came in 2 versions. I have the BT version, and for me it was just plug and play basically. Never had to use specific software, do updates or anything like that, it just worked. 

I understand the concept of BT malfunctioning if the trainer tries to connect to too many devices (phone, laptop and tablet) at once. Still haven't had time to test again.